THE HISTORY
1923 to 1928 John Harlow Storr
John Harlow Storr was descended from a long line of tailors, practising his trade at various locations around Australia and internationally. Finally settling in Hobart, he began a process of purchasing and developing the Liverpool Street building.
The façade that he built after an incident in 1923 retained his name for 35 years and, thus, generations came to know the building as Storr’s. He made the building more attractive for retail businesses, providing smaller shop spaces and level access onto Liverpool Street.
His purchase schedule was due to end in 1928, but he could not afford the large final payment. As the world headed towards the Great Depression in 1930, the humble tailor’s building and business aspirations were brought back to earth. His business continued after the demise of his association with the building. To his credit, he survived the Depression against great adversity.
Throughout the 1923 period of renovation and rebuilding, the window in the basement remained, surrounded by external walls and painted glass panes.
Façade Collapse. Mercury Newspaper 21st July 1923.